20.8 Investigations Involving the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) Division of Guardianship Employees

Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Department for Community Based Services

Division of Protection and Permanency

Standards of Practice Online Manual

Chapter:

Chapter 20-APS Investigations and Assessment

Effective:

8/15/2018

Section:

20.8 Investigations Involving the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) Division of Guardianship Employees

Version:

2

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Investigations involving guardianship employees should be conducted objectively, with privacy and confidentiality that meets the public expectation for accountability. The investigating region is responsible for all notifications set forth in this SOP. The procedures below are utilized when a referral is received where a Department for Aging and Independent Living/Division of Guardianship Services employee is identified as an alleged perpetrator of adult abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of a state ward.

For the purposes of investigations, a guardianship employee is any Department for Aging and Independent Living/Division of Guardianship Services field staff. State guardianship staff are not assigned as a person's caregiver or custodian.

Procedure

The SSW:

Submits the DPP-115-Confidential Suspected Abuse/Neglect, Dependency or Exploitation Reporting Form to the SRA or designee, through supervisory channels, within one (1) hour of receipt;

Secures the hard copy case record and makes the case controlled access in TWIST; 1

Follows guidelines in SOP 20.1 APS Investigations and Assessment, item numbers one (1) and two (2);

Consults with the guardianship employee subject to an investigation concerning the location of any interviews or meetings in order to maintain confidentiality; and

Complies with guidelines in SOP 20.1 Introduction to APS Investigation and Assessment, item number six (6) regarding timeframes for completion of the investigation. 2

The SRA or designee:

Immediately contacts the Director of Protection and Permanency;

Provides a copy of the DPP-115 to the Director of Protection & Permanency, after initial notification, and regularly consults with the central office Adult Safety Branch;

Completes the following steps:

Consults with the Director of Protection and Permanency or designee regarding the assignment of the investigation within prescribed timeframes;

Ensures the investigation is assigned:

To a staff person without knowledge of the guardianship employee being investigated; and

To an experienced staff person; and

Ensures that support and technical assistance are readily available;

Must notify the Director of Protection and Permanency if an extension is granted;

The SSW, FSOS or regional management:

Consults with the central office Adult Safety Branch staff as needed during the investigation.

The Director of Protection and Permanency or designee:

Provides the Director of the Division of Guardianship branch with a copy of the DPP-115; and